Why Is My Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long?
One of the most common questions car accident lawyers hear is, "Why is my car accident settlement taking so long?" While every case is unique, there are common reasons why settlements may feel like they're dragging on.
Car accident cases can take time to resolve due to:
- Length of Medical Treatment
- Gathering Medical Bills, Records, and Evidence
- Negotiations and Litigation
- Paying Outstanding Bills
Delays are usually not caused by your personal injury attorney. Instead, they often involve other parties and the extensive information exchange process. Most car accident settlements take 6 to 9 months to finalize, but unexpected factors can extend this timeline.
Injured clients are eager to move forward with their lives and resolve their claims. However, insurance adjusters know this and may offer less than the claim's actual value, hoping to settle quickly. Injured parties might accept a low settlement offer without expert guidance, unaware of the long-term costs they may still face.
1. Length of Medical Treatment
Reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI) is critical for determining the actual value of a claim. MMI means you've recovered as much as possible, even if you haven't returned to your pre-accident health. That could require surgeries, physical therapy, or ongoing treatments.
Doctors may need time to observe how your injuries heal and whether they cause lasting symptoms. Until this point, your medical expenses and future needs are not precise. Settling before MMI can leave you without enough funds for ongoing care.
Remember, treatment plans differ for everyone. Some injuries take weeks to recover, while others may take months or years. Allowing enough time for proper medical treatment ensures you're compensated fairly for your damages.
2. Collecting Medical Bills, Records, and Evidence
After treatment is complete, all medical bills, records, and other evidence must be collected. Without this documentation, the insurance company might undervalue your claim.
Unfortunately, gathering this information takes time. Medical facilities often have backlogs of requests, and each record needs proper authorization to be released. Some providers may charge fees for processing requests, further delaying the process.
Besides medical records, your lawyer may need wage loss statements, witness testimonies, or police reports. This additional information strengthens your case and shows how the accident impacted your daily life. Collecting everything is a detailed process but essential for a successful claim.
3. Negotiations and Litigation
Once all evidence is collected, your lawyer will request compensation from the insurance company. The company needs time to review the documents and assess the claim. Depending on the case's complexity, this could take weeks or even months.
Sometimes, insurance companies may delay negotiations on purpose. They might request additional records or use tactics to frustrate you and accept a lower offer. Your lawyer will push back against unnecessary delays and advocate for a fair settlement.
Your lawyer might suggest taking the case to court if talks don't work. While this process takes longer, it shows the insurance company you're serious about pursuing your claim. Most lawsuits settle before trial, but your lawyer will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve, even if your case goes to court.
4. Paying Outstanding Bills
Even after a settlement, you may face delays while outstanding bills are paid. Many medical providers or insurance companies have liens on your settlement. These liens must be resolved before funds are disbursed.
Your lawyer will negotiate with providers to reduce these amounts, ensuring you keep as much of your settlement as possible. This process can take a few weeks or longer, depending on the number of bills and parties involved.
It's also important to remember that health insurance providers like Medicare or Medicaid may require repayment for injury-related treatments. Your lawyer will handle these negotiations to ensure everything is paid correctly.
Get Help With Your Car Accident Case From Clinton O. Middleton
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, let the personal injury attorney at Clinton O. Middleton handle your case. We'll help you understand the settlement process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 703-777-9630 to schedule a free consultation. We're here to relieve your stress so you can focus on your recovery.
